Problems Using IPX and NWLINK with the IBM 8209 LAN Bridge

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

When you use the IBM 8209 LAN Bridge Attachment Module for Ethernet Version 2 and IEEE 802.3 LANs (Ethernet attachment module) which allows devices on an Ethernet or IEEE 802.3 LAN segment to communicate with devices on an IBM Token Ring Network segment through an IBM 8209 LAN Bridge, you may have problems passing IPX or NWLINK traffic. (An example would be the inability to make a connection when you are using Windows NT as a server for an SQL Server application.)

CAUSE

This problem can be caused by not having the correct filters set on the IBM 8209, or it can be caused by a hardware issue with the 8209. Earlier IBM 8209 Bridge Ethernet Attachment Modules had problems with IPX traffic. To determine if the IBM 8209 Ethernet Module is the earlier hardware, run the 8209 utility that came with the bridge; the utility can also be downloaded from DIR 32 of the IBM bulletin board at (919) 517-0007. If this utility does not show an option for IPX enabled, then the IBM 8209 with Ethernet Module is an earlier version (because the engineering change was made in recent years, it is still possible to run across a "new" bridge that is actually the earlier hardware).

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, make sure you are not using filters to filter IPX traffic across the bridge, and/or call IBM at (800) 426-7378 to update your IBM 8209 Bridge Ethernet Attachment Module.

The IBM products included here are manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.